Meet the Assistant Principals: Mr. Polubiec

As we continue to learn about the talented staff of PS4, the editors of The Duke Ellington Express wanted to highlight the leadership of our wonderful school by sharing a few pieces of information about our Assistant Principals. We'll start with Mr. Polubiec!

Did you know that Mr. Polubiec's first name is Jacek (pronounced ya-sek) and that he was born in Poland? He began his studies at the Institute of Archeology in Warsaw, Poland, and later pursued his passion for music by graduating from Queens College with a degree in Jazz Performance. He began his career in education, here at PS4, as a music teacher! After graduating from the Principals Institute at Bank Street College, Mr. Polubiec accepted the position as an Assistant Principal at our school; a position he's held for 7 years. Now, he attends Fordham University. He is the proud father of two girls, ages 16 and 21. So, what does he like to do for fun, you ask. "When I'm not working or studying", says Mr. Polubiec, "I enjoy windsurfing, fishing, photography, cooking, and salsa dancing". Click here, to check out his digital footprint!

Now, you know a little bit more about Mr. Polubiec! Next up...Ms. Martin!

Open Airways for Schools Graduates Five Asthma Leaders From PS4

Elementary school children can learn to manage their own asthma when they participate in the American Lung Association's Open Airways For Schools program. It teaches children with asthma (ages 8-11) how to detect the warning signs of asthma, avoid their triggers and make decisions about their health.

At PS4, LaMyah I. (Class 320), Mia R. (Class 401), Jeremy N. (Class 401), Danny W. (Class 323), and Jeremy F. (Class 402) recently completed the 5-week training session. They met on Friday’s at 2pm in the Medical Room for classes and were active participants in the sessions. With the active support of our very own school nurse, they did some role-playing and demonstrations! Some of their assignments were to take information home to their parents. "It was educational and fun", says Nurse Frere when asked to describe the program.

On Friday, January 28th, all five students graduated and became official Asthma Leaders. The ceremony was held in the school's auditorium with members of each student's family and PS4 staff (including Mr. Polubiec, Assistant Principal). Graduation certificates were issued and each child received a cinch bag filled with surprises.

PS4 Parents Are Wonderful!

Do you recognize this beautiful smile? This is Lucy Perez! She is the Parent Coordinator and since September she is the person whose job it is to support the parents of students in our school. "Our parents are wonderful", says Lucy, "and they like to do things at PS4". Along with answering questions, Lucy organizes workshops and monthly meetings for parents.

The We Are New York Project organizes free conversation groups across New York City. With the help of volunteer language leaders and Mr. Polubiec (Assistant Principal), Lucy hosts these evening workshops that teach nearly twenty-five parents how to speak English. This program uses videos that show characters, which are English-Learners themselves, speaking English during important and realistic situations; like going to the doctor or visiting your child's teacher.

Our parent coordinator also hosts monthly workshops, held in the morning, that help parents and guardians of our students understand our school's academic policies and make use of the many resources available in our community. For more information about workshops and programs available at our school, you may contact Lucy by calling (212) 928-0739 or by e-mailing her at LPerez5@schools.nyc.gov.

Click here to see a video of the ESL Parent Graduation!

5th Graders Get Awarded

"I'm very proud of each of you", announced Mr. Polubiec, Assistant Principal at the bi-weekly 5th grade meeting. "You and your teachers are working so hard".

At this assembly, nearly 40 students were given certificates for their achievements in math, reading, attendance, and Project Wisdom (our character education program).

Each assembly, members of our Student Government and Honor Society share what they are working on in their classrooms and give updates on our school's Service Learning Projects. Currently, students are collecting pennies for Penny Harvest and donating food to City Harvest.